Apple Is Preparing a Major Update to Its Mac Lineup Amid the AI Boom — Bloomberg

Apple plans to unveil new versions of all its Mac computers starting this fall, including desktop models—which users have long been waiting to see updated—as well as several laptops, according to Bloomberg sources . The tech giant is thus hoping to capitalize on the demand for powerful devices needed to run artificial intelligence, the agency reports.

An Apple spokesperson declined to comment.

— Apple plans to release a base-model 14-inch MacBook Pro with the new M6 chip this fall, as well as an iMac updated for the first time in two years, according to sources who spoke with Bloomberg. The product line is experiencing a new surge in popularity: sales are expected to grow for the third consecutive year, the agency notes. Demand for these computers has been fueled by users running resource-intensive AI agents. At the same time, a shortage of memory chips is creating production challenges and forcing Apple to raise prices.

— The most notable new products will be the high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, featuring a new design and a touch-enabled OLED display that delivers richer colors. Both devices will be the first of their kind in the Mac lineup and are expected to launch between late this year and early next year, according to Bloomberg. Apple is testing laptops running macOS 27.1, which is scheduled for release in late October. They will also be equipped with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips already used in the MacBook Pro models released in March, the agency reports.

— The company is already developing the next generation of MacBook Pro models—featuring M7 Pro and M7 Max chips. These laptops are scheduled for release between late 2027 and early 2028.

— An updated MacBook Air lineup will be unveiled early next year, according to Bloomberg sources. Externally, they will remain virtually unchanged from the current models, but Apple is also working on a version with an OLED display, which could be released in 2028. The last major redesign of the MacBook Air took place in 2022.

— There are also plans to release another MacBook Pro next year—a base model with a new design and the M7 chip.

— The next version of the budget-friendly MacBook Neo laptop is currently in development, featuring an updated A19 Pro processor and increased memory capacity. Apple unveiled the Neo in March and plans to make regular updates, including releasing new case colors, to maintain interest in the model, the agency reports.

— Apple also plans to release new Mac mini and Mac Studio models with more powerful processors than those in the current models. However, the release dates, as well as the devices’ configurations, will depend on the supply situation for memory chips, Bloomberg notes. The Mac mini and Mac Studio have become highly sought after for running AI applications thanks to their high performance and the ability to connect external monitors, as well as operate in various computing environments. As a result, demand has significantly outstripped supply, creating challenges for the company’s supply chain. In April, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that it could take “several months” to restore balance.

This article was AI-translated and verified by a human editor